Oklahoma QB John Mateer to miss three weeks with thumb injury

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

By Chris Marler

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has injured the thumb on his throwing hand and is expected to miss at least three weeks, per a report from SoonerScoop.com.

NEW: Oklahoma QB John Mateer has suffered a thumb injury on his throwing hand and could miss three or more weeks, per @SoonerScoop.https://t.co/9waz92M17X pic.twitter.com/pzzlQwXjDs

— On3 (@On3sports) September 23, 2025

The injury apparently happened in the first quarter of the Auburn game Saturday. However, Mateer was able to finish the game going 24-of-36 for 271 yards and two touchdowns.

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables said Tuesday that the injury will require surgery and will most likely cause him to miss the Sooners’ next two games against Kent State and Texas.

That means that sophomore backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. will replace him in the starting role. Hawkins Jr. saw action in seven games last year when he filled in for a struggling Jackson Arnold.

Mateer leads the SEC in passing yards per game with 303 and is currently the betting favorite to win the Heisman trophy.